Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

If you enjoy flowers and other outdoor plants and trees, you will enjoy the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. USA Today has named it one of the Top Ten gardens in America. With over 1000 acres of gardens, model landscapes, and natural areas, it is said to be the largest garden in the Upper Midwest. Don't let the term "garden" lead you astray: the Arboretum is open throughout the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The Arboretum is owned by the University of Minnesota and serves the University as a living laboratory for research in the areas of horticulture and environment. Minnesota's seasonal changes of weather provide the perfect context for study in all kinds of climates. The Arboretum contains a large collection of cold-climate plants. There are nearly 13 miles of paths and hiking trails that take visitors on an awe-inspiring trip through collections of flowers and shrubs as well as special exhibits. The Three-Mile Drive offers a view of even more collections and gardens. Those who have difficulty walking can still have a satisfying experience just by sitting in the car and going from place to place.

My most recent visit to the Arboretum was a few weeks ago, along with my wife. Some things were the same from a previous visit; some things were new. The current summer exhibit, "Art to A-Maze," featured large outdoor works of art based on a variety of educational and natural themes that explored the relationships between people and the natural world.

At the end of the tour of art was a maze garden. Visitors were encouraged to enter the maze and attempt to find their way to the exit. I have to admit that my wife and I gave up before we got all the way through!

Special seasonal highlights attract large numbers of visitors. In May, 400 crabapple trees put on a show as they display their blossoms along the Three-Mile Drive. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the flowers. Autumn in Minnesota is famous for the spectacular colors of its trees as they prepare for winter. During the holidays, decorations of trees and other areas add a special touch to the Arboretum.

While flowers and a wide variety of other plants dominate the Arboretum from spring through fall, there is still something to do during the winter. Visitors can enjoy the 8.5 miles of cross country ski trails and 1.25 miles of snowshoe trails.

In addition to the natural wonders of the Arboretum, visitors can participate in special classes throughout the year. The Arboretum also has a cafeteria and a gift store. You can find the Arboretum about 4 miles west of Chanhassen, Minnesota, at 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, Minnesota 55318.